Delicious and Authentic Umm Ali Recipe

Ingredients

  • 10 puff pastry sheets
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • 1 cup of fresh cream
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of mixed nuts (pistachios, almonds, and pine nuts)
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 1 cup of shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  2. Tear the puff pastry sheets into pieces and spread them out on a baking tray.
  3. Bake the pastry sheets in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. While the pastry is baking, heat the whole milk, fresh cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  5. Add the vanilla extract to the milk mixture and stir well.
  6. Remove the baked pastry from the oven and transfer it to a large baking dish.
  7. Pour the milk mixture over the baked pastry, making sure all the pastry is soaked.
  8. Sprinkle the mixed nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut over the soaked pastry.
  9. Sprinkle the powdered sugar evenly over the top.
  10. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
  11. Remove the Umm Ali from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use filo pastry sheets instead of puff pastry for a lighter texture.
  • Replace the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the soaked pastry for a fruity twist.
  • Sprinkle some cinnamon or cardamom powder over the top before baking for added flavor.
  • Replace the mixed nuts with your favorite nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts.
  • Add a tablespoon of rose water or orange blossom water to the milk mixture for a fragrant infusion.
  • For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before baking.
  • Experiment with different dried fruits like dates, cranberries, or apricots instead of raisins.
  • For a crunchy texture, mix in some crushed biscuits or granola with the pastry.
  • Serve Umm Ali with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Recipe overview

Umm Ali is a delicious, traditional Egyptian dessert, enjoyed by many for its rich and comforting flavors. This recipe will guide you through creating this delightful dish from scratch, using simple ingredients like puff pastry, milk, cream, sugar, and a selection of nuts and raisins. From baking the pastry to creating the creamy milk mixture, each step is straightforward and easy to follow. You'll be taken on a culinary journey, ending with a golden, crispy dessert bursting with sweetness and texture from the nuts and coconut. Expect a mouth-watering dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Enjoy the process and most importantly, the end result - a piece of authentic, homemade Umm Ali.

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry sheets?
    Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry sheets for this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the whole milk with another type of milk?
    Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as skim milk or almond milk.
  3. Do I have to use all the specified nuts in the recipe?
    No, you can use a combination of your favorite nuts or use just one type if you prefer.
  4. Can I omit the raisins?
    Yes, if you don't like raisins or don't have them on hand, you can omit them from the recipe.
  5. Can I make Umm Ali ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make Umm Ali ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  6. Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?
    Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet Umm Ali.
  7. Can I add other flavorings to the milk mixture?
    Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the milk mixture.
  8. Can I serve Umm Ali with ice cream or whipped cream?
    Absolutely! Umm Ali can be served warm or chilled and can be accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking tray - Used to bake the puff pastry sheets.
  • Saucepan - Used to heat and mix the milk, fresh cream, and sugar.
  • Large baking dish - Used to assemble and bake the Umm Ali.
  • Spatula - Used to transfer the baked pastry to the baking dish.
  • Mixing spoon - Used to stir the milk mixture and vanilla extract.
  • Oven - Used to bake the pastry sheets and the assembled Umm Ali.

Origin stories

Umm Ali, also known as "Ali's Mother," is a heartwarming dessert originating from Egypt. It is believed to have been created during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The story goes that Sultan Ezz El Din Aybek's wife, Umm Ali, made this dessert to celebrate the death of the Sultan's second wife. The dessert was distributed among the people of Egypt, and thus, it was named after the Sultan's first wife, Umm Ali. Over the centuries, this unique dessert has become a staple in many festive celebrations throughout Egypt and the Middle East. It's not just a dessert, it's a delicious piece of history served on a plate.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.